Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1887-02-01
Masonic Celebration nj Fredericks-


Especial dispatch to the Alexandria GAZETTE
FREDERICKSBURG, Va, Feb. 1.-The an
Gent and honorable order of Free and Ac-
cepted Masons burnt no blue light in their
famous old lodge room here last night.
They painted the town red with centen.
NAL celebration of their order, a little the
"rise of one hundred years" having wheeled
off since the 30th day of January, 1857, the
date of their present charter. To the invit-
ed guests, the visiting brethren and the
stranger within her gates, the old "burg"
extended the warmest sort of Virginia
welcome. Her citizens, regardless of sect
or creed Of politics or religion, strove to
mark the occasion with all the elegance and
hospitality for which they have been so
long noted. 1t was success and 1t should
have been. The memories which it re-
yived of George Washington alone, his
initiation into the masonic faith, and his
long membership in the famous old lodge,
were enough Of themselves to assure for it
an extraordinary interest. Senator Riddle
berger and Senator Daniel, both Of
whom are masons, were invited and expected
to be present, but neither came. AT the
last moment Daniel pleaded imperative
detention on account of business, and
Riddeberger, that he had severe sore
throat, contracted probably at the last exec
utive session Of the Senate, where his voice,
being lifted for war, was doubtless little
strained in the effort. Quinn, republican.
read IN interesting and extended history Of
the old lodge, and Representative Allen,
republican, from tho celebrated manufac-
turing district of Lowell. Mass, supplied
the Congressional oratory BETTING the &C.
casion. Aliens speech was warm and at
times eloquent, though marred in the be-
ginning by pointless anecdote and disfg-
ured n little later on by an ingenious plea,
which he continued covertly to introduce in
favor of the threadbsre theory of high
protective tariff. He was followed by Judge
Ws!lford, of Richmond, at the close
of whose speech Massachusetts and
Virginia went nimbly through the
we'll worn act Of clasping hands
across the bloody chasm 1t WAS all very
pleasant, very Inspiring, very patriotic; q
veritnbe love fenst a feast of reason and a
flow of soul From the Opera House,
where these aud similar exercises took
place, adjournment was hEd to tho BAN
quet hail at the Exchange Hotel.
There substantial board had been spread.
Here toaats were read and speeches were
again in order FA.Reed, of Alexandria, was
first or the list of speakers. He was taken
at disadvantage, having TO cnrtail greatly
o speech, which, under other circumstances,
should have been delivered in full. He
pleased every one, however by the good
taste, no less than the good sense displayed,
aud al the close Of his remarks was loudly
and sincerely applauded. His speech was a
success. Judge Goolrick also spoke well
and elo1uently. And it isonly scant justice
to say that Hon. James B. Sener made a
strong and mastery speech at an uncom.
fortebly late hour and won the paudils of
all who heard him. TO him is due much of
credit for the success of the interesting &C.
cason. Indeed, it was his persistence, his
discretion and his influence which secured
for it the attention and favor of leading
journalists and representative men of the
country. In this way the interest of the
centennial was enhanced, the reputation Of
the old burg spread abroad, and the fame of
this time. honored lodge placed on an en-.
during basis. Several newspaper represen.
tatives, Powers, of Chicago Times and Nc
Bride, of the Cincinnati Enquirer, and others,
are present to day, visiting the battle fields
of the war.